A BARMAID is fighting for her life after she was involved in an accident in Hinckley town centre.

Valerie Mitchell, 32, was flung into the air when she was in collision with a car on the corner of Lower Bond Street, The Borough and Mansion Street on Friday evening last week.

An ambulance crew arrived at the scene just after 8pm and took her to University Hospital, Coventry.

It is thought she had to be resuscitated twice on the way and has been put into a medically-induced coma.

Her condition is described as serious.

The driver of the blue Ford Focus Zetec involved in the collision, a 30-year-old man, was arrested at the scene.

It is rumoured that he was dragged out of his car by onlookers who saw the incident unfold.

Valerie has helped out at the Dog and Gun pub, near the scene of the accident, for the last few months.

Landlord Keith Edwards said: “She is a lovely girl and I wish her well. Everyone here is hoping she recovers.

“Whenever we needed some help she would give us a hand. She really is a great girl.”

A Facebook group has already been started to wish Valerie well.

A large area of Hinckley town centre was closed to motorists and pedestrians following the incident.

Lower Bond Street at the junction with Trinity Lane and Mansion Street was closed, as well as a number of nearby alleyways, while the emergency services treated Valerie.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are asking for witnesses to come forward.

DC Gary Mundy, who is leading the investigation, said: “We’re keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw events leading up to the collision.”

Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact DC Mundy in the serious collision investigation unit, on 0116 222 2222, and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted press DC Mundy’s identification number, which is 1464.

Witnesses can also call Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555 111.

Valerie’s Facebook group is called Get Well Soon Valerie Mitchell and is at http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=48548318872&ref=mf.